Michael Jackson fans flock to premieres

Fans flocked to 19 premieres around the world for Michael Jackson's documentary movie, 'This Is It', with many people queuing outside London's Leicester Square cinema in the early hours of Wednesday morning (21.10.09) for the event

Michael Jackson fans turned out in the early hours of Wednesday morning (21.10.09) to catch a final glimpse of their idol.

The London premiere of the late star's 'This Is It' film - which follows the singer's preparations for his 50-date London residency in the months leading up to his death - began at 11pm last night (27.10.09) but the late hour didn't stop fans from turning out to support their idol.

'This Is It' - which screened simultaneously at 19 premieres around the world - was drawn from over 100 hours of behind-the-scenes clips shot in Los Angeles and showed a multi-million pound spectacular featuring pyrotechnics, complex dance routines and elaborate stage sets.

However, a group of fans calling themselves 'This Is Not It' had called for a boycott of the film, claiming it covered up the 'Thriller' star's poor health and glosses over the enormous stress he was under when he died.

Their threatened protest failed to take place, though fewer supporters than expected turned out to see stars including Australian pop star Peter Andre and former Spice Girls star Mel B.

Paying tribute to the pop icon, Mel said: "He was very humble, down to earth, sensitive. He was very, very sweet."

In Los Angeles, Michael's relatives - including brother Jermaine, who hailed his late sibling as a "messenger of God" - were joined by celebrities including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton.

Michael died of acute Propofol intoxication on June 25, just weeks before he was scheduled to begin his 'This Is It' run of shows at London's O2 Arena.